Monogram 1:48 A-7A Corsair II WIP

Here is what I have so far after an hour or so of reading and deciphering the instruction manual.  My next step is to join the fuesalage together.  I have noticed that there are some fit issues as well as flash, then again I do understand that this particular kit is somewhat older.

Toshi

I did not know that the mold was from another brand called Aurora.  I've never heard of them.  I'm always learning something new!  Thank you for the info/knowledge.

Toshi

Here is a little more of my assembly this evening.

Wow, that's 45 years ago!  

Here is my next step and final step for this evening as I'm getting very fatigue due to my head injury.  Don't worry as Mrs. Toshi knows how to care for me.

Very nice looking Corsair that you put together fast! A great aircraft...I built one of these when I was a teenager in the SEA camo scheme and loved it because it was packed with ordnance that made it look really mean. :)

  Toshi,   I need an app to keep up with your multitude of builds, and you passed my skill level about 12 ( or maybe it was 20--I've lost count ) models ago :)   You have a model finished while I'm still trying to decide if I messed up the cockpit.

   I have always liked the A-7 and your model looks great.  

                                                                                           knox

Mr. Toshi,

I second Knox's comments, you build so fast. Just amazing.

Very good job so far on this beautiful aircraft.  I was considering building one myself as there is an A-7 housed in a airport museum about an hour's drive from the house and that makes for accurate research.

Thank you UKguyinUSA, I build this as a surprise from Mrs. Toshi.  I just felt like going non-stop in building the Corsair.  One of those moments of energy I get every now and then.

As I Googled Corsair II, there was a camouflage image of a A-7.  I almost based this paint scheme on my Corsair II.  I changed my mind to do a common gray jet color as I don't have one in my collection.

I feel the same way as you as this model kit has a tremendous amount of ordinance.  It kind of reminds me of my A-10 Warthog model that I completed with all that ordinance as well.

Thank you so much UKguyinUSA, I really appreciate your support as well as the read and reply!

Toshi

Knox, LOLOLOL!  Very funny, I love it!  As for my skill level, I'm still trying to mimic FSM forum members phenomenal builds.  I'm just a student in a world of pros.  Thank you so much sir, for your support on my threads.  It means so much to me, and thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

Jay Jay my friend, when you do plan to build your A-7, I will be the first to follow your thread.  Thank you for your support and read and replies Sir.

Toshi

Toshi

I did not know that the mold was from another brand called Aurora.  I've never heard of them........

Oh, you youngsters, you.

Following right along with this one, Toshi. Looking good so far.

Do you find that little round base your Corsair is sitting on useful? My local Hobby Lobby seems to have one in stock and I'm thinking about getting one.

To Greg,

I adamantly swear by it!  I highly recommend the Tamiya paint stand as it also doubles for your AB needs.  I think it's at or around $30.00.  Take 40% off and you've got a really nice inexpensive yet versatile stand.  Thank you for the read and reply!

Toshi

Greg, I forgot to add that the Tamiya paint stand was literally my very first purchase!  For a couple of days, I had no idea what I would use for it until I purchased my first model kit of which was a Monogram 1:48 P-61 Black Widow.  Yes, I was that ignorant of the fact.  LOL!

Toshi

I purchased a Harbor Frieght Tools air compressor a few months ago.  Unfortunately it did not have a air regulator.  My first couple of AB model kits were fired at 50psi.  Wow!  

I realized how forum members were AB at 15 to 20psi, so I went out and purchased a MAC valve.  Only one problem, I had no idea at what psi I was shooting at.  Well yesterday, I finally found at my local HFT a air regulator.  my son helped me install it and I'll finally know whether I'm AB at 15 to 20psi.  What a big difference!

Toshi

This is the first time that I've ever AB at exactly 20psi.  I utilized Tamiya XF-2 flat white.  I'll let this dry overnight and fire up the compressor tomorrow to AB the top half of the A-7 Tamiya XF-53 neutral gray.  

Then it's the ordinance, a little tidy up, clear gloss (Testors Gloss Clear Acrylic #4638), decals, and to finally seal it.

Toshi

I forgot to add, I hope my MM/OD is delivered today via eBay so that I can AB my AH-64 Apache Assualt Chopper.  Then I can clean that up and finish that kit.  

This is the very first time in my life that I have two kits working at the same time.  I find this hectic and very exciting!  

My next build of which arrived yesterday is a "Tamiya 1:32 Supermarine Spitfire".  I can't wait to start that build!  At this time I took the Spitfire build a step further, I ordered via Tamiya a manual titled "How to build Tamiyas 1:32 Spitfire".  There are approximately 3 or 4 builders that will represent their particular style in their Spitfire build all in this manual so that a novice like me can follow through on their instructions in it's assembly of the Spitfire.  I hope for success, wish me the best of luck!

Toshi 

Here is my pre-prep for the next color XF-53 neutral gray.

"please don't laugh at my feeble attempt to preshade my A-7. This is the first time I've ever done so. I hope to get the results all forum members get from preshading. I can only wait to see anxiously"

Hi Mr. Toshi,

I am having a had time with the pre-shading myself.  I mean i pre-shaded pretty good but even though I thinned my top coat color down quite a bit it dried more  opaque than it looked while wet and covered up most of the pre-shadeing.  I guess one has to know when to quit spraying on color by experience.

Toshi,

Thank you for your feedback on the Tamiya paint stand. Don't worry about not being exactly sure what you would do with it when you bought it. If I'm not mistaken, that product has been around a LONG time and I've looked at it and never really saw the point until I saw you and some others using it here.

A big congratulations on your regulator and pressure gauge. I don't know how I did without all those years back.

I've so far not had any luck with pre-shading either, so I'm definitely not laughing. I can't get the lines airbrushed on anywhere near straight. I mean, not even close. Then, just as Jay Jay mentioned above, I get in a hurry and lay the topcoat on too heavy and can't see the preshade anyway.

That said, you seem to pick up on stuff quickly, so I'll bet you'll be a pre-shading expert in short order, Toshi.

To Greg,

No problem at all, it's my pleasure and thank you for your support and belief in what I'm capable of possibly doing.  I really appreciate your words of encouragement.

Toshi

To Jay Jay,

Experience, something we shall all gain by continuing to move forward.  As you can see below, my pre-shade has turned into no-shade.  LOL!

Toshi

To my fellow forum members,

I was able to assemble the ordinance, my next step was to spray a gloss clear coat.  Unfortunately, it's way too humid to even attempt any type of spraying.  This is what I have so far, as it cools down and the humidity drops, I'll consider moving forward on the A-7.

Toshi

Toshi,

Sorry I haven't commented recently on the progress of your builds.I just started a new job last week so trying to get fitted in there. The A-7 is looking really great! I used to own the Aurora Models boxing of this same kit (but sold it a couple of years ago.)